Eddie Vedder, Jeff Ament, and Me

So... there is one more goal I have for this year, and I have been remiss to speak about this one for a long time. I have had in my head for a long time the idea/concept for a short film based on the music of Pearl Jam. In fact it has been marinating for the better part of a decade. So why the hesitenty to talk about this one... or to even put pen to paper to finish it, Now that I think would make an interesting blog post. I think it boils down to three reasons; in no particular order.....

A lack of confidence, sacred vs. secular, and motivation....

A lack of confidence is odd for me, in fact one of my top 5 Gallup strengths is self-assurance. I have written hundreds of dramas, scripts, and performance pieces.  I love drama and creativity, so you think that a lack of confidence would never be a problem, well....(here come the excuses) I have never written a script for a film before, what if it stinks, what if you do it all wrong, what if someone else reads it and says this is awful. If''ing my way to paralysis and never getting anywhere than a thought....

Sacred vs secular is harder.  I love Pearl Jam's music, I have since I first discovered it, so full of emotion and felling, well told stories that I related to in ways I could always understand... they seemed to give me a voice that I did not know how to convey as a young, scared, and fragile  man full of dysfunction. I got them. But the first time I was aware of problem was when I happened to wear a Pearl Jam tee (not uncommon for a 19 year old version of me) to a pre-marital counseling session for Renee and I, the person from the church we were meeting with was very disappointed that I listened to that kind of music and told me "garbage in, garbage out" which in hindsight seems to contradict some of Jesus' teachings but the message was clear - you cannot listen to this type of music if you are going to follow Jesus. While I now see the folly in this theology, it is still a hotly contested topic in evangelical circles. There is no shortage of well-intentioned brothers and sisters who will tell you exactly what you should or more importantly what you should NOT listen, read, watch, play, or wear. Mostly these are personal convictions that they put on others in the form of judgment while making themselves feel better. If that sounds like legalism ... it is! God's Spirit has not convicted me while listening to Pearl Jam, if that would happen I would stop, there are certain artist I will not support, games I will not play, movies I will not watch but that is all between God and me.

Finally motivation, but maybe not like you would think. If I sat down to write this out... I would want to see it through. It would not be okay enough for me to just write it out...I would want to take that script and see it to completion, I would want to take that idea and see it come to life. I would want to spend time with people I know (who also love film) and try my best to see this made. I would have to figure out how to get a hold of the band and see if they would 1. let me use their music and 2. how to get it made.... all of that seems very complicated to me, which generally moves me back to the question of confidence.

Here's to this year, to seeing this project done.

Cubs/Music Monday

As a child of the 80's, and the (then) new cable TV (prior to ESPN being a really big deal) I grew up in the summers watching WGN from Chicago and the Cubs baseball games. I can still remember listening to Harry Carry and the 7th inning stretch.... What does any of this have to do with music?

WELL - Pearl Jam - One of my favorite bands - announced last week that it will be playing Wrigley Field in Chicago this summer, July 19th to be exact. So in honor of the Cubs and PJ, it would make me Smile to go to this show!

Christmas Music Monday!

Last night some of the Jr. High girls were having a blast singing "The 12 Days of Christmas" ... oh the joys of Christmas tunes....

But I tend to be a little more indie/emo than the traditional songs...here is one band's take one this traditional classic...Taking Back Sunday's version of "12 Day of Christmas" enjoy, and Merry Christmas!

Music Monday - Theme Song

As production week is upon us, and Hope and Dreams is right around the corner from that...I feel really busy and stressed! So my theme song for the week is my Music Monday selection!

"Where is my Mind" by The Pixies

Fun - Music Monday!

Okay, let's be honest, I am a kind of indie/alt./emo. kind of music guy. That is my default ..I listen to just about everything and really do enjoy all music. But I like music that has some sort of depth ... some "pathos" for all of my acting/speech students, and that genre does it so well. So when "We are young" started blowing up the radio this past year I took some notice of the band FUN. I enjoyed the song but, I would not say I was an instant fan...although one of my drama students was saying they are awesome...and that their first album may be better. Then "Some Nights" kinda of became the unofficial soundtrack of the summer...I finally went back to do some investigating on their earlier work. I discovered that in fact it is a solid record... with a great groove and mash-up of different genres...that comes out just being FUN.

So for all of you who haven't checked out their first record yet "Aim and ignite", the best track, in my opinion - "At least I'm not as sad (as I used to be)"

Music Monday - M&S

Ladies and Gentlemen .... The first band to  make a repeat performance on Music Monday is Mumford and Sons. I know I just put up one of their songs, however, there were some circumstance to a quick turnaround.

1. They just put out a new record! It is fantastic....I would recommend that you all get a copy, but make sure you get the deluxe edition as the cover of Simon and Garfunkel's "The Boxer" is worth the extra $3.00!

2. They were just on SNL- I still love that show and have watched it weekly (whenever it is new) for many years! One of the songs the chose to play....just happens to be one of my favorite tracks from the new record.

So for those reasons this weeks Music Monday is "Below my Feet" as performed live on SNL.

ILA Field Trip = Music Monday!

Our first night of ministry at ILA last night and we were excited to make the announcement that we are going on a field trip to Omaha in November to see the Unashamed Tour http://unashamedtour.com/

 This of course, got me thinking about a Music Monday Post! Here are some of the things I am looking forward too!


Our Unofficial ILA song...or at least one I really want the kids to enjoy this year Andy Mineo and KB - Young

KB is my favorite artist on Reach Records...I really enjoyed seeing him in Omaha last June and I can't wait to Zone Out with him!

Country Music Monday?

I am not a big fan of country music. Most people who know me best, like my daughter who loves country, would say that I down right hate country music. But really I admire many things about country music, depressing lyrics, great musicianship, strange instruments....pretty much the only thing I really don't care for is the "twang" in all good country music, I find it very unsettling to the ears.

But let's take the elements I do enjoy and put them with a soulful sounding vocalist...and now we have something I can enjoy!!!!!

So for today's Music Monday - Mumford and Sons!

KAA - You Know!

KAA - YOU KNOW! This was the chant City Impact students were shouting out at 5:30AM....far too early, and even worse I had no idea- I did not KNOW at all...but a week later I have learned!

KAA is short for Kids Across America; it is a sports based Christian Camp for students ages 9-19! The camp is located near Golden, MO - Branson is the nearest civilization and about 45 min. away. The camp is  designed to cater to Urban Youth and Teens - we were there with groups from the inner-city areas of Chicago IL,  Memphis TN, Tulsa OK, New Orleans LA, Houston TX, and West Palm Beach FL. KAA divides the students into 3 different groups based on age 9-12; 13-15; 16-19...I stayed with our students in the middle age group, we also took 5 other Adult leaders to stay in the camps with the students and a total of 29 kids. The students are with their Camp Counselors  most of the week which freed me up to network with other Urban youth workers, find new resources/ tools for ministry, and deal with any BIG issues.

Some HIGHLIGHTS of the week -
* I got to see my students learn how to "Kruggie" - combination  the dances krunk and Douggie; they did this in the middle of the dinning hall on a small stage if they lost their table block (they needed to carry this to get up from their tables) or if their side was not as HYPE as the the other side.

* A reflection of our ministry- we were the most racially diverse group at camp! I am fully convinced that heaven, unlike Sunday Mornings will not have segregation going on. It blessed my heart that we were able to take a group that was reflective of the Whole Body of Christ!

* I won a tee-shirt in a competition among the leaders....for having the craziest socks!

* Three of our students made a decision to follow Jesus after Cross Talk- many if not most repented of some sin and choose to walk more closely with the Lord.

* NOT ONE OF CI's STUDENTS MADE IT ON THE DISCIPLINE BOARD! Each morning leaders would have to check the discipline board to see if any of our students had issues the day before, students who were too unruly had to be removed from camp and sleep on the floor of the gym with their leader but for lesser offenses had to run, do push-ups, or extra KP .... our students were very well behaved. This fact was also reiterated when we, as leaders, had a time to meet with the Camp Counselors, for the most part our students got glowing remarks from their Camp shepherds.

*Branson Trip/ Dixieland Stampede - I know it doesn't sound cool, but they camp took all of the leaders into Branson and out to dinner at a themed restaurant, like Medieval Times for country folks....I wasn't to sure but it was awesome, good food crazy show!

* Cheers and Tripp Lee's "Robot" - The camp had a cheer or chant for everything and the loved to get "SUPER,MAD,CRAZY,HYPE"  For the most part this was great...except for a non-morning person at breakfast it was a bit much...so I did not go to the dining hall for breakfast after the first day...just couldn't do it! They also played this song in the dining hall...it one the we "Kruggied" to!

* There were also trips to the hospital and extremely hot weather ...but PRAISE GOD - no serious injuries and we all made it home safe and sound!

Music Monday- I AM BATMAN!

I am really excited for this movie. I loved the last one; can't believe that this one is it for Nolan and Bale.... BATMAN!

Music Monday- Lecrae and David Crowder, YES Please!

My favorite worship/ Christian band is most certainly David Crowder...his music resonates so very well with me. He speaks my language. For students at ILA that artist is Lecrae. How about a collaboration!

Music Monday

I LOVE Pandora! How did we ever listen to music prior to streaming it instantly off the internet? I listen to Pandora everyday while working. I like that it introduces me to music that I might not have heard of, but is similar to other music I like. The artist I have really come to enjoy is a singer/songwriter that goes under the name of Secondhand Serenade. He has been out for a few years, and I had even heard some of his music before, but for some reason it didn't really resonate with me until I heard some of the songs from his first album, Awake. Today's Music Monday is my favorite track "Last Song Ever", this is a slightly different version than on the record but still nice....Enjoy!

Music Monday

At ILA last night we had a special visitor - Gospel Hip-Hop Artist Michael Fugitt! HE was awesome and did a fantastic job of getting the kids hyped!

He will be performing on Saturday April 28 at Peter Pan Park in Lincoln if you want to check it out... and here is a sample!

I Love Music Monday!

I dig this song, it's has such a beautiful message of who God is and/or should be in our lives. Some days I lose focus on seeking Him and His heart for me. What if I lived everyday unsatisfied or alright until I found Who HE is? How much different would my life look, would I settle for a mundane existence of just being or would Who HE is draw me to some response? How about you? Have you found your Creator, Maker, Father, Savior, Healer, Redeemer today? 

Music Monday - POD

Youth of the Nation by POD


This is an older song but a good one. It fits well with the One Act play I am directing right now. I have made it my unofficial theme song for this play. I hope you all enjoy it too!

Music Monday III

I dig this song. It is so foundational in its message, but it is essentially a modern version of the Apostle's Creed and the Lord's Prayer. To which I say "AAAAAMMEEEN!"

Music Monday - Optimistic

This song is from one of my very favorite secular bands, Jimmy Eat World. Today I am feeling very optimistic about starting drama practice, my ministry, and life in general. The video was taken from youtube, I like the feel of the unknown in it. I posted the lyrics for the song too!

I, I always believed in futures
I hope for better in November
I try the same losing lucky numbers
It could be a cold night for a lifetime
Hey now, you can't keeping saying endlessly
My darling, how long until this affects me?

Say hello to good times
Trade up for the fast ride
We close our eyes while the nickel and dime
Take the streets completely.

I, I always could count on futures
That things would look up, and they look up
Why is it so hard to find balance
Between living decent and the cold and real
Hey now, what is it you think you see?
My darling, now's the time to disgaree.

Say hello to good times
Trade up for the fast ride
We close our eyes while the nickel and dime
Take the streets completely.

Hey now, the past is told by those who win
My darling, what matters is what hasn't been
Hey now, we're wide awake and we're thinking
My darling, believe your voice can mean something.

Say hello to good times
Trade up for the fast ride
We close our eyes while the nickel and dime
Take the streets completely.

We close our eyes while the nickel and dime
Take the streets completely.

Music Monday

I am starting a new feature; I love music and I want to share with all of you what I have been listening to or a song that sums up the past week or expectations for next week.  I will post a new Music Monday song every week ( or a least try too), it will not always be sacred nor will it always be secular but I hope it will always be tasteful and honest to how I have been feeling or what I am looking forward to. 

The past few weeks I have just been in love with this song. I had heard it before but when it was played at the Leadership summit I attended a few weeks back it has been stuck in my head and heart. I hope you enjoy it too!